The Goverment of Malta has applied to join the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) as a full member of the Organisation.

In a letter signed by Foreign Minister Michael Frendo and delivered by Ambassador Vicky Anne Cremona to the Secretary General of the Organisation Mr. Donald J. Johnston, the Government of Malta said it recognises the significant role of the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation and Development in promoting the achievement of economic growth and employment, in contributing to sound economic expansion and to the development of world trade on a multilateral and non-discriminatory basis.

The Government also stated that Malta, now a member state of the European Union, is also fully committed to an open market economy, to democratic pluralism and to respect for human rights. The letter also states that these values underlie the mandate and work of the Organisation and in this regard, the Government declared the willingness to align itself with the fundamental principles of the Organisation and to effectively fulfil the commitments deriving from said principles.

The OECD originated as the Organisation for European Economy Co-operation (OEEC), to help administer the Marshall Plan for the re-construction of Europe after World War II. Later its membership was extended to non-European states, and in 1961 it was reformed into the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Among other areas, the OECD has taken a role in coordinating international action on corruption and bribery, creating the OCED Anti-Bribery Convention, which came into effect in February 1999.